Sexual predator jailed for 13 sex offences in Gympie court

A rapist with a sinister history across three states has been jailed after his most recent abuse of a young woman with the “mental capacity of a seven-year-old”.

Accused predator leaving the Gympie District Court.

A serial predator showed no remorse as he was sentenced in Gympie’s District Court to 13 sex offences against a young woman with the cognitive ability of a seven-year-old and “no capacity to consent” after being found guilty by a jury.

His victim was the latest of many as the court heard he had been convicted of various sexual charges dating back to 1972 throughout Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria, all involving children aged between 10 to 16.

The multiple historical charges included wilful exposure, indecent acts performed on public beaches and on the front porch of his private home, and indecent treatment of a child under 16.

The court heard the most recent victim was seeking the man’s care and safety when experiencing issues in her own family home and he was trusted to look after her.

Instead, he drove her to secluded places for sex, as well as taking advantage of her when in the shower and her bedroom.

The man, who is a father and grandfather, was described as being the elder in the house, in a position of power and trust, and a friend of the victim's family.

A man has been sentenced in Gympie District Court for the rape of a young woman who had the mental capacity of a seven-year-old.

He had a serious conversation with the victim’s stepmother prior to moving in, outlining her needs and expectations while under his care.

The offences took place over a six-month period with nine of the charges being rape and the other four, sexual misconduct.

The victim also suffered physical ailments which made it difficult to defend herself even though she had been “resisting what occurred”, the prosecutor told the court.

The man, who was described as “functionally illiterate”, appeared in court with no one but the criminal defence lawyer to support him.

Judge Cash defined the predatory nature as “taking advantage of a vulnerable person living in your home for your own sexual desires.”

After the man showed no remorse or co-operation during the case, Judge Cash characterised him as “someone who has difficulty controlling [their] sexual urges” before handing down the seven-year jail sentence.

Convictions were recorded.

Originally published as Sexual predator jailed for 13 sex offences in Gympie court